Nehemiah 2

The next step in the RESTORATION process was PREPARATION.   While Nehemiah likely continued the first step of PRAYER throughout, he waited four months before putting into action what God had put it in his heart to do.   During that time of waiting, it was clear that he had thought about what was needed, for he was ready to voice his requests to King Artaxerxes when asked.  Notably, he took the time to say a quick prayer first before answering (vs 4), knowing that this was the moment he had been praying for the past few months.  And then, when the king granted his requests, he recognized that it was the Hand of God at work (vs 8).    After arriving in Jerusalem, he continued preparations by inspecting the damage to the wall and gates and the work needed to repair it.  Then, he demonstrated his godly leadership abilities by pointing the people to God, motivating them to begin rebuilding (vs 17-18), and facing the opposition with confidence that God would give them success (vs 19-20).

Sometimes, finding and carrying out God's Will, requires waiting, planning, and preparation.  And sometimes, it involves facing opposition.   Through it all, it is important to PRAY and to have confidence in the LORD.